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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2013-02-07, Page 10PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013.Morris-Turnberry holds off on wind policy At it again A pair of Belgrave curlers made their mark over the weekend at the Ontario Curling Association’s mixed curling playdowns in Wingham, finishing in the top two and therefore qualifying for the regional competition, which will be played in Dundas on March 23-24. The team is, from left, Mike Aprile (Newmarket), Katie Pringle (Belgrave), Shawn Cottrill (Belgrave) and Jordan Ariss (London). (Photo submitted) Morris-Turnberry Council is not yet prepared to sign on the dotted line for a wind generating development policy of its own. Councillors reviewed the document, drafted by Chief Building Official Steve Fortier, at their Jan. 29 session, but opted to seek more information as to the scope of their power before moving ahead with the comprehensive draft policy, which is designed to keep a tight rein on commercial wind-generating systems that produce more than 45 kilowatts of power. Highlights of the multi-faceted policy include minimum distance setbacks of 2,000 metres (6,600 feet) from settlement areas and 1,000 metres (3,300 feet) from other residential areas and those zoned for future development. The policy also seeks safeguards for themunicipality, including an annualpayment for community-betterment projects, a decommissioning plan to ensure all installed facilities and turbines are removed and lands restored once projects end and the installation of shielded lights on turbines so light reflects up. Further, the policy seeks to protect prime agricultural farmland by including a requirement to place turbines on areas of lower agricultural capability. It also includes a dispute resolution protocol in the event conflict arises between neighbours of wind operators and a future development redevelopment clause so non- participating neighbouring properties can build along road accesses. Mayor Paul Gowing says while the contents of the draft policy did not stir a great deal of debate,councillors are concerned with howmuch of the policy could be enforced given the Green Energy Act supercedes municipal legislation. “There are different issues that we weren’t quite clear on,” says Gowing, noting parts of the policy were adopted from neighbouring municipalities, including Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh.Gowing reports while there are no planned industrial wind turbine projects in Morris-Turnberry, council is eager to ensure a policy is in place before a commercial wind project comes to the area given the divisiveness often caused in rural communities where such projects have rolled out.“We’re trying to be proactive,”says Gowing. “All of our council wants more information at this time.” While a date has yet to be set for revisiting the policy, Gowing says municipal staff members have been directed to bring forward more information about the Green Energy Act, specifically in terms of minimum distance setback requirements. Morris-Turnberry councillors, staff members and board members will see a one per cent pay increase in line with municipal policy thanks to a bylaw passed on Jan. 29. By passing the remuneration bylaw for 2013, Morris-Turnberry Council is moving forward with a policy that seeks annual pay and remuneration increases in line with the Consumer Price Index, which stands at one per cent. That change means the mayor’s salary will rise slightly to $8,217.87, the deputy mayor’s to $5,282.92, councillor’s pay to $4,096.82. Meeting pay for less than two hours stands at $70.43, two to four hours at $117.38, and more than four hours at $176.88. *** Morris-Turnberry Council is preparing to write a letter of support for a proposed Rail to Trails project, but it is first seeking out landowner feedback. Paul VanderMolen, a trail director, appeared before councillors Jan. 29, to pitch the comprehensive project that will see trails developed along the railway lines from Guelph to Goderich. “It’s a very positive thing,” says Mayor Paul Gowing, noting the Shawn Cottrill and Katie Pringle of Belgrave teamed up with Mike Aprile of Newmarket and Jordan Ariss of London to compete in the OCA Mixed Curling Zone play downs in Wingham on Feb. 2 and 3. The team was one of the top two and qualified to play in the Regional play downs to be held in Dundas on March 23 and 24. Good luck in Dundas team! Matthew Cottrill of Belgrave will be competing with the Fanshawe Falcon’s Men’s Team at the Ontario College Athletic Association provincial championships in St. Thomas from Feb. 13 to 17. Good luck Matthew. Due to stormy weather last week many of the schools were closed for a couple of days along with some of the highways. The community potluck on Friday, Feb. 1 was also cancelled. COUNTY OF HURON MUNICIPAL CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE REHABILITATION OF THREE BRIDGES NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT THE PROJECT: The County of Huron is planning to carry out repairs to three structures (as shown on key plans). The first structure, Dane’s Bridge is located on the Howick-Turnberry Road (7) east of the town of Wingham and north of Gorrie and Fordwich. The second structure, Clegg’s Bridge is located on Morris Road (16) west of Brussels and south east of Belgrave. The third structure, the Auburn Bridge is located on the Blyth Road (25) immediately to the west of Auburn. All three structures span sections or tributaries of the Maitland River. The rehabilitation project for all three bridges would involve the replacement/repair of deteriorated bridge components. This will include concrete repairs to the bridge decks; and the replacement of the existing concrete railings with solid concrete barriers or parapet walls for the Clegg’s and Dane’s bridges; and repair of the Auburn Bridge railings. Due to the extent of the work, lane restrictions will be required. It is anticipated that road work will be completed during the 2013 construction season. THE ENVIRONMENTAL SCREENING PROCESS: The planning for this project is following the environmental screening process set out for Schedule B activities under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) document. The purpose of the screening process is to identify any potential environmental impacts associated with the project and to plan for appropriate mitigation of any impacts. The process includes consultation with the public, stakeholders, and government review agencies. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT: The consultation program for this Class EA includes several opportunities for public involvement. For the initial phase of the program, public input will be received until March 1, 2013. Additional opportunities for comment will be provided as the process proceeds. Any comments collected in conjunction with this Class EA will be maintained on file for use during the project and may be included in project documentation. With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the public record. For further information on this project, or to review the Class EA process, please contact the Project Engineer: B.M. Ross and Associates, 62 North Street, Goderich, Ontario, N7A 2T4. Telephone (519) 524-2641. Fax (519) 524-4403. Attention: Pamela Scharfe, Environmental Planner (e-mail: pscharfe@bmross.net). This Notice issued January 30, 2013 Dave Laurie, Director of Public Works County of Huron By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188 PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE NEWS FROM BELGRAVE Local curlers qualify for regional play By Cheryl HeathSpecial to The Citizen M-T supports Rails to Trails By Cheryl Heath Special to The Citizen Continued on page 18